As used in KRS 75.400 to 75.460, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1) "Commission" means the Kentucky Fire Commission, attached to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
(2) "Fire department" includes all of the officers, firefighters, and clerical and maintenance employees, whether paid or volunteer.
(3) "Full-time paid firefighter" means an individual who receives a minimum salary of eight thousand dollars ($8,000) annually, and who works a minimum of two thousand and eighty (2,080) hours per year as an employee of a fire department recognized by the commission.
(4) "Paid fire department" means a fire department recognized by the commission, of which at least fifty percent (50%) of its firefighters are full-time paid firefighters.
(5) "Volunteer fire department" means a fire department with a minimum of twelve (12) members and a chief, at least one (1) operational fire apparatus or one (1) on order, with fewer than fifty percent (50%) of its firefighters being full-time paid firefighters.